Biochemistry Analyzer Enclosure Design

Transforming complex laboratory hardware into a compact, production-ready product

InDesignLabs designed a plastic injection-moulded enclosure for a biochemistry analyzer used in diagnostic laboratories. The objective was to integrate multiple functional subsystems into a compact instrument while maintaining usability, serviceability, manufacturability and a professional medical-device identity.

The Challenge

A biochemistry analyzer combines sensitive internal hardware with several operator-facing components, including a touchscreen, sample or reagent positions, a printer, fluid-handling interfaces and service-access areas.

The enclosure therefore had to address several competing requirements:

• Organize the internal assemblies within a compact desktop footprint.
• Provide an intuitive layout for frequently used controls and consumables.
• Protect electronics and other sensitive components from accidental liquid spills.
• Allow convenient assembly, maintenance and component replacement.
• Achieve sufficient structural rigidity without excessive wall thickness.
• Minimize injection-moulding defects such as sink marks, warpage and visible flow lines.
• Create a clean, credible appearance appropriate for a professional diagnostic instrument.

Our Approach

1. Internal Architecture and Packaging

The design process began by studying the space required for every internal and external component. Critical interfaces, maintenance clearances, cable routes, ventilation zones and fastening locations were mapped before developing the exterior form.

Wet-use areas were separated as far as practical from the display, electronics and other sensitive components. Access requirements were considered early so the enclosure would not become visually attractive but mechanically impossible to assemble or service.

2. Operator-Centred Layout

The instrument’s interface was arranged around the operator’s natural working position.

The touchscreen was angled for comfortable viewing and reduced glare. Sample positions and frequently accessed areas were placed within easy reach, while the printer and secondary functions were integrated without making the top surface appear cluttered.

Large radii, sloping surfaces and recessed working zones helped create an enclosure that was easier to access and clean.

3. Industrial Design Development

Multiple form directions were explored to balance medical credibility with a distinctive product identity. The selected language used:

• A stable, low-profile stance.
• Soft transitions and rounded corners.
• Clearly differentiated interaction zones.
• Dark inserts to visually organize the touchscreen, sample area and functional interfaces.
• Sculpted side panels that reduced the perceived bulk of the analyzer.

The result was a modern enclosure that communicated precision without appearing intimidating or excessively complex.

4. Injection-Moulded Plastic Engineering

The enclosure geometry was developed according to injection-moulding design principles rather than treating manufacturing as a final-stage correction.

Key considerations included:

• Consistent nominal wall thickness.
• Suitable draft angles for reliable mould release.
• Ribs and gussets for stiffness without creating heavy solid sections.
• Properly supported screw bosses and mounting features.
• Generous internal radii to improve material flow and reduce stress concentration.
• Controlled transitions between thick and thin regions.
• Practical parting lines and tooling directions.
• Reduction of avoidable undercuts and complex side actions.
• Strategic placement of joints and split lines away from prominent viewing surfaces.

ABS and PC-ABS material options could be evaluated with the manufacturer based on impact strength, surface finish, chemical resistance, flame-retardancy requirements and production cost.

5. Assembly and Serviceability

The enclosure was divided into logical moulded parts that supported an efficient assembly sequence. Internal locating features helped position components consistently, while mechanical fasteners were retained where repeated service access might be required.

The architecture was reviewed for:

• Tool access during assembly.
• Cable and tube routing.
• Component installation order.
• Fastener accessibility.
• Removal of serviceable modules.
• Tolerance accumulation between the enclosure and internal hardware.

6. Design for Manufacturing Review

Before tooling, the CAD design was prepared for review with the mould maker and manufacturing team. Wall thickness, draft, ribs, bosses, shut-offs, parting lines and potential sink or warpage zones were examined so that tooling risks could be identified before committing to production.

The Outcome

The final design brought the analyzer’s display, printer, sample-handling area and supporting hardware together within a coherent, compact enclosure.

The project delivered:

• A distinctive and professional medical-product identity.
• An operator-friendly arrangement of controls and working areas.
• Production-oriented plastic enclosure geometry.
• Improved accessibility for assembly and maintenance.
• CAD data suitable for prototyping, engineering review and toolmaker DFM.
• High-quality visualizations for design approval and product communication.

This project demonstrates InDesignLabs’ ability to combine industrial design, mechanical packaging and injection-moulded plastic engineering in the development of sophisticated medical and laboratory equipment.

Need an Enclosure Designed for Production?

InDesignLabs helps medical-device and laboratory-equipment companies transform complex internal hardware into refined, manufacturable products—from initial architecture and industrial design through detailed CAD, DFM and production support.

Let’s build your next product.